Schumer urges Amtrak, FRA, CSX and NYSDOT to sign HSR agreements for Buffalo-Albany segment

Last week, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on CSX Transportation, Amtrak, the New York State Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration to sign off on a plan to construct a high-sped rail line from Buffalo to Albany.

The state has secured $58 million in federal funds to construct the first part of the line in western New York, but money cannot be put to use until the parties complete service, construction and maintenance agreements. Because the U.S. House of Representatives already has voted several times to rescind unspent high-speed rail dollars, Schumer is concerned the state could lose the money, according to a press release.

The project calls for constructing new tracks between Buffalo and Albany that are capable of handling trains operating at speeds up to 110 mph.